The Oud is produced from trees of the genus Aquilaria, belonging to the Thymelaceae family, when they are contaminated by a particular mold. The tree rejects this aggression producing the resin. In this way, the wood remains protected. The resinous heart of the wood goes from soft and odorless to dark and aromatic, to curb mold growth. The infection progresses from the trunk to the roots making the tree dark brown or black.

Workers cut the pieces of the infected trunk into small flakes that are used to extract the resin. They dip the flakes in the water for a few days. Then they are left to dry for 2 or 3 days. Finally, they extract the resin using different methods, that allow obtaining oils of different quality. The final product is an essential oil with a woody and enveloping scent, while the remaining wood can be left to dry to make incense.

The Oud cultures

Eastern culture often uses Oud during moments of prayer to get close to God. The extremely intense smell is linked to the sacred the Oud is called "the wood of the Gods" and is also mentioned in the Old Testament. In Saudi Arabia, they use both incense and oil, which has a longer-lasting effect. Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists use incense mainly in religious ceremonies. Therefore, the use of perfume linked to religion plays a very important role. It also happens that some people perfume their clothes exposing them to the smoke of burning wood.

In Morocco, the Oud is considered a real treasure reserved for a chosen few and used during Islamic religious services, such as the Prophet’s birthday. Moreover, it is used during meditation to make it deeper and more spiritual with its heady and mysterious fragrance.

In Japan, they use the Oud in the Ko-Do ceremony, during which resin and other aromatic woods are burned in braziers. This ceremony represents the beginning of a lifelong journey. In fact, through different enveloping fragrances, it is possible to undertake a spiritual journey.

Also Indians, Indonesians, and Chinese use the Oud. Its noble and ancient origins have made it one of the most expensive fragrances, whose nickname is in fact "liquid gold".